Delhi Air Quality Improves to ‘Very Poor’ Category After 8 Days With AQI at 379

New Delhi: After reeling under severe air pollution crisis for eight days, national capital's air quality improved marginally but remained in “very poor" category on Thursday, November 20. overall air quality index (AQI) of city was recorded at 379 at 7am as Delhi residents woke up to a slightly better air quality today.

However, AQI at several air monitoring stations across city was still recorded above 400, falling under "severe category." According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur recorded highest level of AQI at 437, followed by Bawana at 419, Ashok Vihar and Mundka (416). According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), temperature in city is expected to hover between 11 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius in day. 

Smog Envelops Delhi

Despite air quality improving slightly, a thick layer of smog continued to envelope national capital, lowering visibility. 

Meanwhile, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised Gred Response Action Plan (GRAP), mandating schools in Delhi and nearby NCR districts to shut down during Stages 3 and 4 of plan.

Earlier on Wednesday, Delhi government announced that 50 per cent of its employees will work from home in view of deteriorating air quality.

Taking to X, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “To reduce pollution, Delhi government decided to implement work from home in government offices. 50% of employees will work from home."

Besides Delhi, Jaipur and Chandigarh rank among most polluted cities in country on Thursday. While Delhi registered highest air pollution levels, Jaipur and Chandigarh followed with Air Quality Index reings of 235 and 233, respectively, both classified as "poor." Meanwhile, Aizawl and Guwahati logged lowest pollution levels as AQI reings stood at 32 and 42 at 7 am.